FORMER German international Markus Babbel has tipped England to upset the Germans in Saturday's crucial World Cup showdown in Munich....

FORMER German international Markus Babbel has tipped England to upset the Germans in Saturday's crucial World Cup showdown in Munich.

Germany have only ever lost one major qualifying match on home soil and have yet to be beaten in their own land by England.

But Liverpool defender Babbel, now retired from international football, has warned the German players not to underestimate Sven-Goran Eriksson's side who, he said, are a match for anyone in the world.

"Nobody believes England can win and of course it will be very tough in Munich," Babbel told The Mirror.

"But I don't know why people are so pessimistic about England's chances.

"I love playing in England and I like the English mentality. But I am German, I love my country and so of course my heart tells me I want Germany to win.

"There is nothing more I would like to see on Saturday. I will probably be there in Munich and I will be cheering for Germany, praying they will win.

"But even if my heart says Germany, my head tells me England can do it.

"They have a side full of world class players. Their team is very strong and they have great mental strength as well.

"I think there are things the Germans could learn form the English."

Stunned by England's humbling at the hands of Holland last time out, several German players have rung Babbel to express their surprise at such a poor showing.

"But I have warned them that was not the real England. It was nothing like the English side that I know can cause a lot of damage in Munich."

Babbel said the likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Robbie Fowler were the envy of all German soccer fans but singled out Anfield team-mate Michael Owen as the biggest threat to Rudi Voeller's hopes.

"Michael is in excellent form and he has the quality to win this game for England."